At a glance
This ride lets you climb aboard vintage cars that travel between the entrance square and the castle. There are different models, such as a police car, a fire engine, a limousine and a double-decker bus (with an open upper deck). These vehicles are replicas of the ones you might have seen on American streets in the early 1900s.
The trip goes at the slow pace of period engines, among the visitors strolling along Main Street. It’s a way of getting around that lets you soak up the retro atmosphere of this part of the park without having to walk. Each vehicle has its own style and colours, so the experience changes depending on which one you choose.
The trip is very short but gives you an unusual view of the shops and the Victorian architecture around them. It’s a calm activity, ideal for families with young children or for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the view from a comfortable seat.
Main Street’s vintage vehicles. An omnibus, a fire engine and period cars that carry visitors between Town Square and Central Plaza. A purely decorative trip, charming and restful, that only runs during the day and in good weather. More of an atmospheric extra than a real thrill ride.
History
Opened on 12 April 1992 along with the park, the Main Street Vehicles are a group of vintage vehicles running along Main Street U.S.A., including the omnibus, the fire engine and the police van. This type of vehicle has existed in several Disney parks since Disneyland in Anaheim (1955), including Tokyo Disneyland (1983).
Technical data
- Duration
- 5 min
- Opened
- 1992
- Type Transport
- Opening date 12 April 1992
- Duration 5 minutes
- Inspired by Main Street Vehicles (Disneyland, California, 1955)
Theme & story
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level low
- Emotional impact low
- Perceived wait low
- Minimum height None (open to all)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access must transfer from wheelchair
- Pregnant visitors suitable
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
No Single Rider here. To save time, count on Premier Access or park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Usually open during this slot before the park opens to the public, reserved for Disney hotel guests and Disneyland Pass Gold holders, among others. The right time to ride it with a shorter queue.
Who it’s for
Pros and cons
Strong points
- Takes you all the way up the avenue without any effort
- Several different types of vehicle to try
- Ideal for taking unusual photos of Main Street
Weak points
- Limited availability, as the vehicles don’t run all day
- Very low capacity per trip
- A very short trip that’s over quickly
My verdict
The Main Street Vehicles are the vintage vehicles that carry visitors between Town Square and Central Plaza: omnibus, fire engine, police car and classic car. A 5-minute trip, purely for show, ideal for unusual photos on Main Street.
I think it’s worth it if you spot one that’s free, more for the experience than for getting around. Good to know: they don’t run all day and their capacity per trip is very low, so it’s more of a lucky find. The morning is still the best time to catch one.
Julie’s tip
Map & getting there
Main Street Vehicles is in the Main Street U.S.A. land of Disneyland Park, near Town Square.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long queues for the most popular rides?
To avoid long queues at Disneyland Paris, I combine several tactics. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille and Spider-Man, as long as you’re happy not to ride with your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that gives you priority access to the headline rides. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and it’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without queuing. Finally, heading to the most popular rides during a parade or a big show empties the queues considerably.
02 Are the queue times shown in the park reliable?
Yes, the queue times shown in the app or on the screens around the park are generally reliable. They’re often the same as, or slightly longer than, the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be closed for refurbishment during my trip?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website, several weeks in advance. Because the parks are open all year round, the maintenance teams sometimes work on days when the parks are open, which leads to temporary closures. My advice: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before booking, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young children?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can frighten young children even without a height restriction. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling scenes. La Tanière du Dragon, under Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, plays on a ghostly atmosphere and is really intense for toddlers. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful moments and darker scenes. I’d suggest watching how your child reacts before you get on.
05 How far in advance does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris publishes the list of ride closures around 2 to 3 months in advance. For major rides, the park tells visitors about planned construction work at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, as dates can change. That way you avoid the nasty surprise of finding out on the day that your favourite ride is being refurbished.
